How to Replace Drum Brakes on Your Car

Drum brake replacement. How to replace drum brake shoes on your car, DIY with Scotty Kilmer. How to change brake shoes on your car. Drum brake location, inspection, removal and repair. DIY car repair with Scotty Kilmer, an auto mechanic for the last 42 years.
⬇️Things used in this video:
1. Sledge Hammer: amzn.to/2iasnep
2. Diagonal Cutting Plier: amzn.to/2nraIEF
3. Screwdriver set: amzn.to/2j92UCG
4. Ratchet and socket set: amzn.to/2inoxOY
5. Wrench Set: amzn.to/2kmBaOU
6. Disposable Gloves: amzn.to/2zSRuxO
7. Steel Jack: amzn.to/2Asgjxo
8. Jack Stand: amzn.to/2jGOwBg
9. Common Sense
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11. My computer for editing / uploading: amzn.to/2i2sKYz
12. Video editing software: amzn.to/2jv5Fhf
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This is the people's automotive channel! Learn how to fix your car and how it works. Get a chance to show off your own car on Sundays. Or show off your own car mod on Wednesdays. Tool giveaways every Monday to help you with your own car projects. We have a new video every day! I've been an auto mechanic for the past 50 years and I'm here to share my knowledge with you.
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#savagescotty

[@scottykilmer]

⬇️Things used in this video: 1. Sledge Hammer: amzn.to/2iasnep 2. Diagonal Cutting Plier: amzn.to/2nraIEF 3. Screwdriver set: amzn.to/2j92UCG 4. Ratchet and socket set: amzn.to/2inoxOY 5. Wrench Set: amzn.to/2kmBaOU 6. Disposable Gloves: amzn.to/2zSRuxO 7. Steel Jack: amzn.to/2Asgjxo 8. Jack Stand: amzn.to/2jGOwBg 9. Common Sense 10. Full HD Camera: amzn.to/2AvoEk7 11. My computer for editing / uploading: amzn.to/2i2sKYz 12. Video editing software: amzn.to/2jv5Fhf 13. Thumbnail software: amzn.to/2k7tz6C 🛠Check out my Garage to see what I use every day and highly recommend: www.amazon.com/shop/scottykilmer ❗️Check out the Scotty store: goo.gl/RwhRGU 👉Follow me on Instagram for the latest news, funnies, and exclusive info / pics: goo.gl/ohy2cA

[@SteveVi0lence]

How about using clp or something to remove the rust/ clean it up? Are there rotors on these like a pad brake system?

[@Muhyedinschannel]

Scotty Kilmer i just did it on my Pontiac torrent but brake won’t stop the car

[@vulgardisplayoftruth2060]

Scotty Kilmer, please suggest more than just a jack under the vehicle, like jack stands or bricks. Some people suck at life.

[@erianmarcelo6995]

C52

[@erickmarin1636]

Where do I buy this “ common sense “

[@luisgaldamez4487]

Great video, fast and well detailed unlike those 30 minute pointless videos. Thanks for saving me time and money Scotty!

[@georgecobble5688]

Thank you Scotty .

[@anthonycurtis5121]

Can I agree more? Lol, I just said the exact same thing to my wife

[@johnjohny295]

Yeah I thought the same thing

[@darmstead7]

AMEN!

[@Nick-ko1tw]

It's all fun and games until you do your own drum brakes

[@itzmckrispy9318]

ki jssn just didn’t my first set of drum brakes on my 3rd gen camaro and oh my god did I want to roll it down a cliff😂

[@mrsam5]

Jajja it happened to me too.

[@TesNRad]

@@itzmckrispy9318 i agree 😂 i thought the same thing when i was doing my moms for her . im so happy my car has all disc brakes 😂😂

[@1chamoy20006]

LOL yes!

[@leornemrac8066]

Scottie mah man thank you... Now i know how to do it but first i gonna buy me a car... With drum brakes on the back...

[@pospc2]

Your video was short and to the point without over complicating this. I have seen many videos on this subject but by far yours makes the most sense

[@ShareXP]

Okay here are my pointers after using this video! 1) There is no replacement for cutters when grabbing springs, needle nose pliers will slip. 2) Be sure to grease ALL contact points, my car had 8 of them. Be sure to look at the bottom meeting points too. 3) You might not need to change your drum brakes if they are squeaking, you might just need to disassemble and re-grease. My car with over 100k still had the same amount of shoe left as a new set. 4) Use brake cleaner on your new drum inside contact points to remove any gunk from the factory. 5) Put your car in neutral and spin the drums, they should bind up and stop pretty quickly. If you don't get it tight enough you will still roll with your e-brake fully engaged. If it is too tight, you will have to use screws to remove the drum and start over. Take the time to get this right.

[@scottykilmer]

you spin the back wheels, if they spin freely you tighten the adjuster until they drag just a bit

[@scottykilmer]

heck, follow this video, all systems are rather similar. And if you're confused take digital pictures BEFORE you take the parts off.

[@scottykilmer]

same process, adjusters are all slightly different, but if you do one side you can compare it to the other side if you get confused putting it back together.

[@ikenj]

I love this guy! He's a life saver...

[@scottykilmer]

If you like my car help, be sure to watch my live car talk show every Saturday morning at 10 AM CST on KZbin. I answer your car questions LIVE there. Just check it out at How To Ask A Live Mechanic Car Questions Free On KZbin . And remember, every TUESDAY I upload a new video, so don’t miss them.

[@mylittlepony4660]

3:20.....is that a cutter? if accidently cut off those spring?

[@techlove67]

my little pony They get a good grip. it'd take alot of squeezing to cut those springs with that. try doing that with pliers it's a bitch. dull little cutters work fine.

[@andrewdomenitzdmd]

Knows what he's talking about and has a great way about him. Seems like a nice guy too.

[@paddy217125]

Without a doubt the best diy car maintenance video on KZbin. No 5 minute introduction, no super slow explanations just straight to the point with everything you need

[@cubiczirconiabeard5366]

00:27 seconds...seconds ! ! into the vid and he starts jacking the car up. No explanation about how important brakes are. Like , oh ya? when did this change?

[@mendocinorider]

​@cubiczirconiabeard5366 I think anyone who needs a little assistance for a brake job has the mental awareness that brakes are the most critical safety component in a vehicle.

[@cheff8383]

Scotty is a true master! 4 minutes long video and any mechanically inclined person could tackle this job. Great work Scotty👍👍

[@scottykilmer]

@larbyrne I've already responded to this. I didn't go under the car, AND the jack is in the middle of the back on concrete. IF the jack lost pressure, the car would just end up sitting on the jack a bit lower. Scotty

[@Blessed1BusinessEnterprise]

We love you Scotty Kilmer. I am a Mechanic apprentice and I learn more to brushen up the little knowledge I have already by all your concise videos.

[@phillipivey4110]

You really made it look easy. I'm starting to think that I can do a rear shoes replacement too.

[@mrnorthwoodsbob845]

+Phillip Ivey - I SECOND Phillip lol ,I have to replace my wheel cylinders and after finding out I have to take the brake shoes off to get the wheel cylinder off I might as well do those too,but I've never done them and I watched some guy wrestle with a set and he didn't look lie he was having much fun ! Hey Scotty ,You Da Man !! ,Oh and MY question is do I REALLY have to take the shoes off to get the wheel cylinder out ??

[@iancc86]

Hardest part is removing the drum.

[@randomvideosn0where]

@@iancc86 Depends on where the car is from. My car doesn't have much rust at all, but my dad's car was so rusted he drove 3 miles with the lug nuts loosened and the wheel still wouldn't come off.

[@mattbartolovich8228]

Drum brakes require p l u!

[@Sticky_Ricky]

@@randomvideosn0where Jack it up, set it in a stand and hit it with the base of your palms. Mine get stuck every single time and this works so well. No idea what kinda damage that might be doing, if any 😂

[@InitHello]

Very nice demonstration, I just did the rear brakes on my car following this video. And it's good to see someone who doesn't take himself *too* seriously, even with 40-some years of experience.

[@erindorn3745]

I have never done drum brakes before and this video was exceptional. Clear, concise and to the point. Thanks Scotty!

[@nimmen]

I love how all your how to videos are 4x shorter than others of the same subject and much clearer most of the time!

[@professorjack2099]

"EH" - Scotty Kilmer

[@MRDJBURNS]

Whenever I need old school advice, Scotty's there! Bloody legend! I haven't done drum brakes for years and it's as easy as I remember. Thanks mate!

[@hedley326]

seriously Scotty. I need a DVD of a load of your videos, to watch when I'm at sea and can't get signal.

[@mixerfistit5522]

Chris hedley changing the brake shoes on a ship is at least a 2 man job.

[@PhoenixT1953]

you should also change the ships tires while you have them off

[@inakiland]

@@PhoenixT1953 what's the ships tires?

[@illwayz313]

@@inakiland the wheel.

[@anthonyr.hodgson9988]

Are you a captain?

[@ericverster4069]

Thanks for video man. I'm a fleet tech and I just did my first drum brakes today on a late-model Hyundai. Story on RO: "Removed and replaced rear drums and tested op. Noise eliminated. Return to service". Thanks again!

[@scottykilmer]

@clint4Now you pull the wheels off, remove the drum and look at the linings to see if they're thicker than a dime. If thinner, replace them. Scotty

[@cubaray89]

Dude, thanks for demystifying drum brake shoe replacement. I'm not a fan of drum brakes, but my son's car has them and I want to replace them for him. I didn't think I could do it, but after watching your video ...

[@scottykilmer]

If you like my car help, be sure to watch my live car talk show every saturday morning at 10 AM CST on google events. I answer your car questions LIVE there. Just go to my scotty kilmer channel on youtube saturday morning at 10, and click on the google plus icon on the top right corner. That takes you to the event. You do have to be a member of google plus to ask questions, so join up, it’s all Free.

[@scottykilmer]

na, you just get em close, then back up and slam the brakes on a few times. The auto adjusters then make then perfect.

[@BlueDroneBlues]

I was just about to ask where you adjust the drums and here you just answered my question. I am wanting to do this on my 2005 Scion xB. I will take a good picture before i take anything apart. Thanks, Scotty

[@irregularmana6216]

My rear drum breaks on my 99 taco are finally giving me issues so its time to replace them. This video is perfect!

[@meyer3738]

This guy is so funny, lmao.... I watch his videos just for the laugh sometimes

[@adangochez8400]

I just did my drums and brakes today on my 02 Toyota Celica GT thank you 🙏 MR. Scotty your video was very helpful 😁

[@steverussell1963]

Scotty can say more in 5 minutes than all the others can say in an hr. thank you sir

[@ducati9s]

Scotty, loved the video, thanks BUT you need to use JACK STANDS!!! Safety 1st sir.

[@LadyJesterSurfer]

Gotta agree, especially with you pulling and pushing on the springs. Love the short to the point videos. One of the best instructional formats on the tube.

[@thepeff]

I too like to live dangerously.

[@ryans413]

Put the tire under the car if car falls it lands on the tire. That’s what I doo.

[@dallysinghson5569]

@MiIesTailsPrower So basically safety first then, :D

[@MrGigi-dz9cv]

He is not getting under the car, so he is safe.

[@AmericanPatriot1778]

You showing the clippers save me a lot of time and aggravation!!!!! Best idea I've seen yet!!!

[@scottykilmer]

depends entirely upon model and make of car and if other parts like cylinders need replacing

[@johnfembeck4400]

I just did rear shoe change on a mazda protege and i can promise you its not as easy as he makes it out to be...even alot of mechanic's dont like changing these brakes.If its gonna be your first time doing it like it was in my case,id recommend having someone thats done them before help you out a little,believe me it can save you alot of time and frustration.

[@Hayden-ib3ju]

I will start reading my owner's manual in Scotty's voice from now on.

[@davidvogl5447]

Funny : ))

[@FrankaDith]

I wasnt gonna watch this one cause i did mine a bunch of times but when you see a seasoned macanic at work you learn tricks you didnt know before Thank,s Scotty : )

[@DmitriLowell]

This is the best brake shoe video of all time

[@tharozlosangeles1385]

Hahahaha!!! Yes!! Yes it is the greatest brake show video of all time!

[@ryans413]

Scotty dose it in five minutes. Me in my garage 4 Hours lol

[@jomarz1828]

When you've rear drum brakes the 1st thing you do when you get ready to replace them is to look in the internet to find a rear breaks system for that vehicle...

[@scottykilmer]

@spelunkerd I use high quality jacks and work fast. so I often don't use jack stands, they slow me down. Only if I'm crawling under there will I use a jack. PLUS, I work on a concrete surface which is VERY stable. Scotty

[@mezo6453]

Good video but you’re missing 2 main points: 1) the emergency brake lever transfer to the new shoe. 2) lubricants on the auto adjuster. There is also a 2 shoe retaining spring seats. You only added the top one when fastened the shoes to the pin. In addition, forgot to mention how to adjust the adjuster from the access hole on the backing plate. Good video though.

[@ravindersaini9409]

I M HUGE FAN OF YOUR WORK...... THAT THE PERFECT EXAMPLE WORK WITH FUN.

[@alexanderbarrera9140]

Lol that ending in the pickup truck was funny. Your poor wife has her hands full lol

[@bookofrevelations30]

Stop making everything look easy! Great video Scotty. You saved me an enormous headache. Keep'em coming

[@eru7774]

and this is why you have 1.6M subscribers lol. Straight to the point w/ no complication.

[@charliestone8323]

Just replaced my drum brakes... 1999 Ford ranger... It was a serious learning experience. I wanna do them some although it took me 4 hrs for the rear

[@thatsnotright7260]

haha awesome video you are a great teacher and entertainig

[@christopherderycke3603]

Best tip in the video was use the other side for reference. Nice and to the point.

[@subzeroarctics1299]

Drum brakes are so dumb... should be called dumb brakes instead

[@AsTheWheelsTurn]

haha thats a good one, I guess they were smart for there time, it is just old technology replaced by disc brakes which ARE much better. biggest thing I dislike about drum brakes is they overheat on long downhlls if you apply brakes too much and then they stop working!!! also they dont work nearly as well as disc and significantly harder to change.

[@AlejandroRodriguez-xf4cf]

Outstanding procedure of instructing mr. Kilmer! excellent!!!

[@36MICHAELFUNKE]

Scotty! I just wanna say I love your videos. They are so helpful and simplistic to understand. You make me feel like i can accomplish anything with your great attitude as well!

[@scottykilmer]

@mauricioparodi NO, if you don't open the system up, no air gets in. Only if you removed a line or replaced the wheel cylinder would you need bleeding. Scotty

[@riverbrowning8135]

You can't be afraid to take chances ! Just go and do it and save money !

[@ArthurAghakhabian]

Wow I always thought changing rear brake shoes could be a hassle but you showed it to be really easy, thanks for the help scotty!

[@tryhardamateur9845]

Scotty Kilmer was the inspiration for Saul Goodman

[@scottykilmer]

@ElGavillano bleed the air out, if it doesn't fix it, replace the wheel cylinder. Scotty

[@rafaelsm3635]

scotty u r the man.💪 👍

[@DanielVSL]

"Why not do it yourself?" - Because i don't want to die

[@nunyabiznis817]

pussy!

[@rajanmahal3866]

This guy is so precious.

[@inakiland]

I got a Nissan versa 2014 sv hatchback. I have to replace the break drums and this video is really easy and helpful.

[@scottykilmer]

sure, guys do that all the time, just be sure to relube the contact points of the shoes when done though

[@vincekaser7835]

best channel on youtube! i watch it any time i need help. thanks now i can replace the brakes on my 1970 mustang! keep up the amazing videos!

[@2brokenwings73]

I love my mechanic dad Scotty Kilmer...again you saved me money.

[@timmaesse2095]

This man is a legend ladies and gentlemen

[@scottykilmer]

@ScienceOfThePS3 you can just remove the top spring, move the shoes out of the way, then unbolt the old one and put a new one in. all 10 mm bolts and nuts on the back side to get it off.

[@Bugoutbrian]

scotty. You are the best. You explain it all so well!

[@scottykilmer]

If you like my car help, be sure to watch my live car talk show every Saturday morning at 10 AM CST on KZbin. I answer your car questions LIVE there. Just check it out at How To Ask A Live Mechanic Car Questions Free On KZbin . And remember, every TUESDAY I upload a new video, so don’t miss them.

[@zolbam1985]

Scotty never seems to steer me wrong. Thanks

[@flavarella]

You make everything look so easy

[@breaktobroken]

Cool video Scotty! drum brakes are getting so old now its kinda become a lost art!

[@scottykilmer]

@TVFOGGED I have a rear bearing video "how to replace real wheel bearings on your car" but it's a Honda, not a ford with a solid rear axle. Scotty

[@cedricmerritt7664]

Excellent video short and to the point!

[@lawrencedavid6456]

Thanks for all you do scotty. I look to your videos first. Keep up the awesome work my friend. Once again. Thank you

[@scottykilmer]

@shoujiliuzhijun yes, bigger is better. The clamp you grab the open end with a big pliars and force it into the shoe. Then there is a gap on the other side, and you whack that with a screwdriver and a hammer and it flies off. Scotty

[@MrCruz-oc8jx]

Hey Scotty, shotout from Puerto Rico hope your doing good and God Bless you brother. You forgot your jack stands after jacking up the car.

[@scottykilmer]

auto zone top line brake pads, their gold versions are fine.

[@scottykilmer]

yes they are all relatively similar

[@GuitarTECH100]

The tailgate dropping at the end kills me everytime XD great job on the vid

[@mnfarmer1984]

Excellent summary Scotty with good visuals. Thank you for posting. You just saved me $100!

[@scottykilmer]

@TheOpperjostie I leave em out all the time, they are not needed.

[@robhorrigan]

Scotty, Thanks so much. I'm headed to the garage to attempt to do this myself right now.

[@righteousredneck777]

Dammit Scotty! Ya made pulling back that cable look so easy. Mine was hell.

[@scottykilmer]

outside means nothing, if inside is shiny, leave it alone.If you like my car help, be sure to watch my live car talk show every saturday morning at 10 AM CST on google events. I answer your car questions LIVE there. Just go to my scotty kilmer channel on youtube saturday morning at 10, and click on the google plus icon on the top right corner. That takes you to the event. You do have to be a member of google plus to ask questions, so join up, it’s all Free.

[@kevinailor4728]

Best video i have seen on this subject, thanks a MILLION!!!!!

[@jasonbadler]

Great video. I loved your recommendations. I can't wait to get dirty while fixing my rear brakes. Thanks Scotty!

[@Liamautomechanic]

@scottykilmer a young lad got killed 30 years ago in a garage in a neighbouring county, since then we always use axel stands, its kinda your 2nd parachute, if the tiny o ring on your jack fails, or worst slips, better be safe than sorry, any how were getting a visit from your president, mr barak o bama, tomorrow, i hope he has a good stay, good video by the way,scotty

[@AlexHernandez-ml7we]

Thank you Scootty, you make it seem pretty easy.

[@captainvanaroo1729]

Hey you forgot to tell people to powerwash the asbestos away first off the old breaks and let it dry before you begin the job to change then that way your not breathing in all the toxic dust crap.

[@josevalencia6359]

I always admire your job thanks😊

[@TheSpyralspyder]

My cavalier had alot more springs and rust. Had to fabricate a sleeve caus the old one was totally rusted to the shoe. Next time im getting the hardware kit! I took waaaay too long figuring it out as well.

[@2LateIWon]

I have a vid request. Can you do a video on how to adjust and tune a Holley 750 carb? I'll let you use my car if you want lol Thanks Love your vids Scotty

[@scottykilmer]

you grab it with cutting pliers that are old and dull, then pull it back and clamp down and the spring stays in place.If you like my car help, be sure to watch my live car talk show every saturday morning at 10 AM CST on google events. Just go to my scotty kilmer channel on youtube saturday morning at 10, and click on the google plus icon on the top right corner. That takes you to the event where you can ask me questions Live. You do have to be a member of google plus

[@dlucas527]

Scotty thanks! If the brake drums are seized does it mean they need to be replaced. I had been traveling for 3 years and my car brakes seized from sitting so long. I have a 1963 Lincoln Continental. Once I get the brakes free again can I just bleed the brakes?

[@danny10spot]

You're the best Scotty

[@scottykilmer]

@SuperKasper92 just the brake spring piars I use in this video, all auto parts stores sell em cheaply enough. Scotty

[@andrewmolloy5095]

thank you Mr Kilmer very good video

[@scottykilmer]

@plmost Takes me about half an hour for both sides. Scotty

[@tommy27usa]

Mine don’t squeek but don’t work either So going to get them replaced Thank for the video!

[@The1985cc]

Scotty first of all, I love the video. Second I had a question. I showed this video to my dad and he said that you have to adjust the brakes to perfection. He said that once you're done, you must mark the drum and make sure it does exactly one revolution when you turn it with your hands. Then he said you must synchronize both sides.he said otherwise one side will brake before the other and that the car might turn to one side more then the other when braking. Is this necessary? H

[@thezerocool22]

love it! Keep up the good work Scotty!

[@scottykilmer]

If you like my car help, be sure to watch my live car talk show every Saturday morning at 10 AM CST on KZbin. I answer your car questions LIVE there. Just check it out at How To Ask A Live Mechanic Car Questions Free On KZbin . And remember, every TUESDAY I upload a new video, so don’t miss them.

[@thezerocool22]

I think that would be around about 6pm DST GMT over in the UK at a guess. What city is your time zone located in?

[@jessicavasquez596]

Why watch a 22 min video when this pro can make it in less than 5 min easy!

[@scottykilmer]

you have a leak somewhere, pull the wheels off, check for leaks at the wheels. IF you find none, replace the brake master cylinder, they often leak inside the booster and you can't see that

[@scottykilmer]

by "cover" I assume you mean the brake drum. If so, many have threaded holes in em, you use 2 bolts screwed into the holes to force if off. If not, you need a brake drum puller tool to pull it off.

[@scottykilmer]

sheared bolts have to be replaced, and if the calliper mount is ruined, you have to buy the whole assembly and replace that too. If you have drum e brakes, they adjust by tightening the nuts on the cable. If you have disc e brakes,they are not adjustable.

[@scottykilmer]

they could be loose, check the bolts. If not, check the suspension by jacking if up and pulling on the tire and seeing if anything has play